LL Cool J — Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and photos at Last.fm old school James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968 in Bay Shore, New York), better known as LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James), is a Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor signed to Def Jam. He has released twelve studio albums over his 27 year career, has starred in numerous feature films and currently plays Agent Sam Hanna on the hit show NCIS: Los Angeles. Born in Bay Shore, New York, and raised between St. Albans, New York and Hollis… read more Free LL Cool J biography and latest music, latest album, top tracks | SONG365 Country:Other Genres:East Coast Hip Hop, Pop Rap, Hip-Hop, Rap, Hip Hop, 80s, Rnb Biogphiy: James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968 in Bay Shore, New York), better known as LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James), is a Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor signed to Def Jam.

He has released twelve studio albums over his 27 year career, has starred in numerous feature films and currently plays Agent Sam Hanna on the hit show NCIS: Los Angeles. Born in Bay Shore, New York, and raised between St. Albans, New York and Hollis, New York in the borough of Queens. The only child of Ondrea (née Griffith) and James Smith, Jr. Smith is of both African American and Native American descent. He spent his youth singing in the church choir, participating in the Boy Scouts and delivering newspapers. Def Jam released his first record, the 12” single “I Need a Beat” in 1983. The single sold over 100,000 copies. The success of “I Need a Beat” helped lead to a distribution deal with Def Jam and Columbia Records in 1985. Soon after, he dropped out of Andrew Jackson High School to record his debut album.

He is known for romantic ballads such as I Need Love and Hey Lover as well as pioneering hip-hop such as I Can’t Live Without My Radio, I’m Bad, The Boomin’ System, Mama Said Knock You Out, and 4, 3, 2, 1. L has also appeared in several films. LL Cool J Tracks Free LL Cool J biography | SONG365 Overview Biography Albums Tracks Biography of LL Cool J James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968 in Bay Shore, New York), better known as LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James), is a Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor signed to Def Jam. He has released twelve studio albums over his 27 year career, has starred in numerous feature films and currently plays Agent Sam Hanna on the hit show NCIS: Los Angeles. Born in Bay Shore, New York, and raised between St. Albans, New York and Hollis, New York in the borough of Queens. The only child of Ondrea (née Griffith) and James Smith, Jr. Smith is of both African American and Native American descent. He spent his youth singing in the church choir, participating in the Boy Scouts and delivering newspapers.

Def Jam released his first record, the 12” single “I Need a Beat” in 1983. The single sold over 100,000 copies. The success of “I Need a Beat” helped lead to a distribution deal with Def Jam and Columbia Records in 1985. Soon after, he dropped out of Andrew Jackson High School to record his debut album. He is known for romantic ballads such as I Need Love and Hey Lover as well as pioneering hip-hop such as I Can’t Live Without My Radio, I’m Bad, The Boomin’ System, Mama Said Knock You Out, and 4, 3, 2, 1. L has also appeared in several films. Top Tracks By LL Cool J 1 LL Cool J - IMDb IMDb Actor | Soundtrack | Producer L.L. Cool J was born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, the son of Ondrea Griffith and James Louis Smith, Jr. Todd, as he was called, did not have a very happy childhood. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father.

After they recovered from their injuries, his mother began ... See full bio » Born: a list of 40 people created 19 Jul 2011 a list of 47 people created 09 Sep 2012 a list of 40 people created 22 Jan 2013 a list of 23 people created 19 Dec 2013 a list of 37 people created 10 months ago Do you have a demo reel? Add it to your IMDbPage How much of LL Cool J's work have you seen? User Polls Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 10 wins & 21 nominations. See more awards » Known For 2007 The Man (TV Movie) Manny Baxter Rapper (as L.L. Cool J) Hide - Justin Timberlake/Ellen DeGeneres/Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (2015) ... (writer: "Rock the Bells" - uncredited) - Justin Timberlake (2014) ...

(writer: "I'm Bad" - uncredited) 2016 Morris from America (writer: "Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)" - as James Todd Smith) 2016 Football Focus (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode) - Episode dated 16 January 2016 (2016) ... (performer: "Mama Said Knock You Out" - uncredited) Lip Sync Battle (TV Series) (performer - 2 episodes, 2015) (writer - 2 episodes, 2015) - Queen Latifah vs. Marlon Wayans (2015) ...

(performer: "Rock the Bells") / (writer: "Rock the Bells") 2015 Glastonbury 2015 (TV Series) (writer - 1 episode) 2014 Jennifer Lopez: Dance Again (TV Movie documentary) (performer: "All I Have") / (writer: "All I Have" - as James Todd Smith) 2014 Top Five (performer: "Doin' It") / (producer: "Doin' It") / (writer: "Doin' It" - as James Todd Smith) 2014 The 68th Annual Tony Awards (TV Special) (performer: "Rock Island") Todd's Pop Song Reviews (TV Series documentary) (performer - 2 episodes, 2013 - 2014) (writer - 2 episodes, 2013 - 2014) - Todd and Rap Critic Talk About Accidental Racist (2013) ...

(performer: "Accidental Racist", "Big Ole Butt") / (writer: "Accidental Racist", "Big Ole Butt") Brooklyn Nine-Nine (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode, 2014) (writer - 1 episode, 2014) - Pontiac Bandit (2014) ... (performer: "Mama Said Knock You Out" - uncredited) / (writer: "Mama Said Knock You Out" - uncredited) One Hit Wonderland (TV Series documentary) (performer - 1 episode, 2013) (writer - 1 episode, 2013) - Cotton Eye Joe (2013) ...

(performer: "Accidental Racist") / (writer: "Accidental Racist") 2013 Mayweather (TV Movie documentary) (performer: "We're The Greatest") 2013 The 55th Annual Grammy Awards (TV Special) (performer: "Refuse to Lose", "No Sleep till Brooklyn") 2011 Rap Critic Reviews (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode) - Shaq Diesel (Album) (2011) ... (performer: "Mama Said Knock You Out") 2011 Happy Feet 2 (writer: "Mama Said Knock You Out" - as J. Smith) Dancing with the Stars (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode, 2011) (writer - 1 episode, 2011) - Episode #11.6 (2011) ...

(performer: "Mama Said Knock You Out" - uncredited) / (writer: "Mama Said Knock You Out" - uncredited) 2011 Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (writer: "Mama Said Knock You Out") 2010 Dance Central (Video Game) (performer: "Flava In Ya Ear") / (writer: "Flava In Ya Ear" - as James Smith) 20 to 1 (TV Series documentary) (performer - 1 episode, 2010) (writer - 1 episode, 2010) - Greatest Sports Movies of All Time (2010) ... (performer: "Mama Said Knock You Out" - uncredited) / (writer: "Mama Said Knock You Out" - uncredited) 2006 Scarface: The World Is Yours (Video Game) (performer: "Rock The Bells") 2006 Take the Lead (performer: "What You Want") / (writer: "What You Want" - as J.T.

Smith) 2005 Get Rich or Die Tryin' (performer: "I Can't Live without My Radio") 2005 Crossing Jordan (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode) - Family Affair (2005) ... (performer: "Headsprung" - uncredited) 2005 Coach Carter (as James Smith, "Headsprung") / (performer: "Headsprung") The Wire (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode, 2004) (writer - 1 episode, 2004) - Back Burners (2004) ...

(performer: "Headsprung" - uncredited) / (writer: "Headsprung" - uncredited) 2004 Beef II (Video documentary) (performer: "4, 3, 2, 1", "The Ripper Strikes Back") 2004 Johnson Family Vacation (performer: "Move Sumthin'") 2003 The Fighting Temptations (as James Todd Smith, "Amazin'") / (performer: "Amazin'") 2003 Beef (Documentary) (performer: "Mama Said Knock You Out", "To Da Break of Dawn") 2003 Retarded Animal Babies (Video short) (performer: "Mama said knock you out") 2003 Cradle 2 the Grave (performer: "Paradise") / (writer: "Paradise" - as James Todd Smith) 2003 Deliver Us from Eva (performer: "Paradise" (2002)) / (writer: "Paradise" (2002) - as James Todd Smith) 2002 Pro BMX 2 (

Video Game) (performer: "Rock the Bells") / (writer: "Rock the Bells") 2001 Summer Catch (writer: "Going Back to Cali" - as James Smith) 2001 Scratch (Documentary) (performer: "Get Down", "Rock the Bells") / (writer: "Get Down" - as James Smith) / (writer: "Rock the Bells" - as James Todd Smith) 2000 Maze (writer: "I Need Love" - as James Todd Smith) 2000 Soul Food (TV Series) (performer: "I Wish (Remix)") / (writer: "I Wish (Remix)") 1999 Any Given Sunday (performer: "SHUT 'EM DOWN") / (writer: "SHUT 'EM DOWN" - as James Todd Smith) 1999 Deep Blue Sea (performer: "Deepest Bluest (Shark's Fin)", "Say What") / (writer: "Deepest Bluest (Shark's Fin)", "Say What" - as James Todd Smith) 1998 Bulworth (performer: "Zoom") /

 (writer: "Zoom") 1997-1998 Daria (TV Series) (performer - 2 episodes) - Arts 'n' Crass (1998) ...

(performer: "4,3,2,1") - Road Worrier (1997) ... (performer: "Going Back to Cali") 1997 How to Be a Player (performer: "6 Minutes of Pleasure") / (writer: "6 Minutes of Pleasure" - as J.T. Smith) 1997 Kenan & Kel (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode) - Baggin' Saggin' Kel (1997) ... (performer: "Mama Said Knock You Out") 1996 Space Jam (performer: "Hit 'Em High (The Monstars' Anthem)") / (writer: "Hit 'Em High (The Monstars' Anthem)" - as Todd Smith) 1996 Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (lyrics: "Ain't Nobody" - as J.T. Smith) / (performer: "Ain't Nobody") 1994 Street Fighter (lyrics: "Life As...") / (performer: "Life As...") / (writer: - as J.T.

Smith) / (writer: "Life As...") LL Cool J | Celebrity-gossip.net 2016 Grammy Awards Tap LL Cool J For Hosting Duties Dusting off his master of ceremonies skills, LL Cool J will host the 2016 Grammy Awards on February 15th, 2016 at 8:00pm on CBS. Recording Academy President Neil Portnow told press, "We are delighted to welcome back the very talented LL Cool J as our host for the 58th Grammys. His unique expertise, both as a Grammy-winning recording artist and accomplished actor, allows him to connect with both his musical peers and the fans at home, and his dynamic personality and charismatic energy set the perfect tone for our show." Hollywood is Stand(ing) Up to Cancer On Friday, September 7th, some of Hollywood's biggest stars will be taking to the television airwaves asking for your support. Famous faces such as Lea Michele , Emma Stone, LL Cool J , Seth Rogan, Matt Damon and Samuel L. Jackson, among others, will be participating in the fundraising event for Stand Up To Cancer.

The special is expected to raise money for cancer research, while providing entertainment for viewers, with guest appearances from Coldplay, Taylor Swift , Tim McGraw and Alicia Keys. The Stand Up To Cancer special will be broadcast on many of the major networks - ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC - at 8:00 P.M. ET, live, from Los Angeles, CA. Top 30 Rappers of all Time - Rate Your Music Top 30 Rappers of all Time Page 30 - 6 5 - 1 >> 30 30. WC William L. Calhoun, Jr. (born in 1970), better known by his stage name WC (pronounced "Dub-C"), is an American West Coast rapper. He was born in Texas, but moved to Los Angeles at an early age. Known for his long braided goatee, sharp lyricism, and crip walking, WC has been a staple in West Coast gangsta rap since the early 1990s. William L. Calhoun, Jr. (born in 1970), better known by his stage name WC (pronounced "Dub-C"), is an American West Coast rapper.

He was born in Texas, but moved to Los Angeles at an early age. Known for his long braided goatee, sharp lyricism, and crip walking, WC has been a staple in West Coast gangsta rap since the early 1990s. 29 29. T.I. Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., (born September 25, 1980),[1][2] better known by his stage name T.I., and also by his alter ego T.I.P., is an American rapper, songwriter, and producer, actor, philanthropist and co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records. The self proclaimed "King Of The South". Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., (born September 25, 1980),[1][2] better known by his stage name T.I., and also by his alter ego T.I.P., is an American rapper, songwriter, and producer, actor, philanthropist and co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records. The self proclaimed "King Of The South". 28 28.

50 Cent Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975), better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003) and The Massacre (2005). Both albums achieved multi-platinum success, selling over twenty-one million copies combined. Born in South Jamaica, Queens, 50 Cent began drug dealing at the age of twelve during the 1980s' crack epidemic. After leaving drug dealing to pursue a rap career, he was shot nine times in 2000. After releasing his album Guess Who's Back? in 2002, 50 Cent was discovered by rapper Eminem and signed to Interscope Records. With the help of Eminem and Dr. Dre—who produced his first major commercial successes—he became one of the world's highest selling rappers. In 2003, he founded the record label G-Unit Records, which signed several successful rappers such as Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, and Tony Yayo.

50 Cent has engaged in feuds with other rappers including Ja Rule, The Game, and Fat Joe. He has also pursued an acting career, appearing in the semi-autobiographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin' in 2005 and the Iraq War film Home of the Brave in 2006. Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975), better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003) and The Massacre (2005). Both albums achieved multi-platinum success, selling over twenty-one million copies combined. Born in South Jamaica, Queens, 50 Cent began drug dealing at the age of twelve during the 1980s' crack epidemic. After leaving drug dealing to pursue a rap career, he was shot nine times in 2000. After releasing his album Guess Who's Back? in 2002, 50 Cent was discovered by rapper Eminem and signed to Interscope Records. With the help of Eminem and Dr.

Dre—who produced his first major commercial successes—he became one of the world's highest selling rappers. In 2003, he founded the record label G-Unit Records, which signed several successful rappers such as Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, and Tony Yayo. 50 Cent has engaged in feuds with other rappers including Ja Rule, The Game, and Fat Joe. He has also pursued an acting career, appearing in the semi-autobiographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin' in 2005 and the Iraq War film Home of the Brave in 2006. 27 27. Dr. Dre André Romelle "Dr. Dre" Young (born February 18, 1965) is an American record producer, rapper, and record executive. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records, also having produced albums for and overseeing the careers of many rappers signed to those record labels. As a producer he is credited as a key figure in the popularization of West Coast G-funk, a style of rap music characterized as synthesizer-based with slow, heavy beats. Dr.

Dre began his career in music as a member of the World Class Wreckin' Cru and he later found fame with the influential gangsta rap group N.W.A, which popularized the use of explicit lyrics in rap to detail the violence of street life. His 1992 solo debut The Chronic, released under Death Row Records, led him to become one of the best-selling American performing artists of 1993 and to win a Grammy Award for the single "Let Me Ride".In 1996 he left Death Row to found his own label Aftermath Entertainment, producing a compilation album, Dr. Dre Presents the Aftermath, in 1997 and releasing a solo album titled 2001 in 1999, for which he won the Grammy producer's award the next year. During the 2000s he focused his career on production for other artists, while occasionally contributing vocals in other artists' songs. Rolling Stone named him among the highest-paid performers of 2001 and 2004. Dr. Dre also had acting roles in the 2001 films The Wash and Training Day.

His final solo studio album Detox is set to be released in 2008 following much delay and speculation. André Romelle "Dr. Dre" Young (born February 18, 1965) is an American record producer, rapper, and record executive. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records, also having produced albums for and overseeing the careers of many rappers signed to those record labels. As a producer he is credited as a key figure in the popularization of West Coast G-funk, a style of rap music characterized as synthesizer-based with slow, heavy beats. Dr. Dre began his career in music as a member of the World Class Wreckin' Cru and he later found fame with the influential gangsta rap group N.W.A, which popularized the use of explicit lyrics in rap to detail the violence of street life.

His 1992 solo debut The Chronic, released under Death Row Records, led him to become one of the best-selling American performing artists of 1993 and to win a Grammy Award for the single "Let Me Ride".In 1996 he left Death Row to found his own label Aftermath Entertainment, producing a compilation album, Dr. Dre Presents the Aftermath, in 1997 and releasing a solo album titled 2001 in 1999, for which he won the Grammy producer's award the next year. During the 2000s he focused his career on production for other artists, while occasionally contributing vocals in other artists' songs. Rolling Stone named him among the highest-paid performers of 2001 and 2004. Dr. Dre also had acting roles in the 2001 films The Wash and Training Day. His final solo studio album Detox is set to be released in 2008 following much delay and speculation. 26 26.

Kanye West Kanye Omari West (pronounced /ˈkɑnjɛj/; born June 8, 1977) is a 9 time Grammy Award-winning American rapper and record producer. He released his debut album The College Dropout in 2004, his second album Late Registration in 2005, and his third album Graduation in 2007. His first three albums have received numerous awards, critical acclaim, and commercial success. West also runs his own record label GOOD Music. West's mascot and trademark is "Dropout Bear," a teddy bear which has appeared on the covers of his three albums as well as the singles "Stronger" and "Homecoming." West's parents divorced when he was three years old, and he and his mother moved to Chicago, Illinois. He enrolled at Chicago State University but later dropped out to continue pursuing his music career. He later gained fame by producing hit singles for musical artists including Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and Janet Jackson. West's style of production often utilizes pitched-up vocal samples, usually from soul songs, with his own drums and instruments.

Some controversy has also surrounded West, such as an incident during a live telecast of a benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina relief, when he deviated from the script and told the audience, "George Bush doesn't care about black people." On May 16, 2008, Kanye West was crowned by MTV as the year's #1 "Hottest MC In The Game." Kanye Omari West (pronounced /ˈkɑnjɛj/; born June 8, 1977) is a 9 time Grammy Award-winning American rapper and record producer. He released his debut album The College Dropout in 2004, his second album Late Registration in 2005, and his third album Graduation in 2007. His first three albums have received numerous awards, critical acclaim, and commercial success. West also runs his own record label GOOD Music. West's mascot and trademark is "Dropout Bear," a teddy bear which has appeared on the covers of his three albums as well as the singles "Stronger" and "Homecoming." West's parents divorced when he was three years old, and he and his mother moved to Chicago, Illinois.

He enrolled at Chicago State University but later dropped out to continue pursuing his music career. He later gained fame by producing hit singles for musical artists including Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and Janet Jackson. West's style of production often utilizes pitched-up vocal samples, usually from soul songs, with his own drums and instruments. Some controversy has also surrounded West, such as an incident during a live telecast of a benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina relief, when he deviated from the script and told the audience, "George Bush doesn't care about black people." On May 16, 2008, Kanye West was crowned by MTV as the year's #1 "Hottest MC In The Game." 25 25. Lil Wayne Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. (born September 27, 1982), better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. Formerly of the rap group Hot Boys, he joined the Cash Money Records collective as a teenager. He worked with B.G. on the album True Story and eventually recorded for the label.

Get It How U Live, released in 1997, was Lil Wayne's first album with Hot Boys, and Tha Block is Hot, his solo debut, came out 1999. Block debuted in the top ten on the American Billboard 200 chart and Lil Wayne was nominated for "Best New Artist" from The Source magazine the same year. Following this success, Wayne soon featured on other rappers' singles, including "Bling Bling" by B.G. and "#1 Stunna" by the Big Tymers in 2000. After his hit debut album "Tha Block Is Hot" and two albums released with little promotion, Lil Wayne reached higher popularity with 2004's Tha Carter and its two subsequent albums Tha Carter II (2005) and Tha Carter III (2008). During that period, he appeared on several mixtapes and singles of other artists. Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. (born September 27, 1982), better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. Formerly of the rap group Hot Boys, he joined the Cash Money Records collective as a teenager.

He worked with B.G. on the album True Story and eventually recorded for the label. Get It How U Live, released in 1997, was Lil Wayne's first album with Hot Boys, and Tha Block is Hot, his solo debut, came out 1999. Block debuted in the top ten on the American Billboard 200 chart and Lil Wayne was nominated for "Best New Artist" from The Source magazine the same year. Following this success, Wayne soon featured on other rappers' singles, including "Bling Bling" by B.G. and "#1 Stunna" by the Big Tymers in 2000. After his hit debut album "Tha Block Is Hot" and two albums released with little promotion, Lil Wayne reached higher popularity with 2004's Tha Carter and its two subsequent albums Tha Carter II (2005) and Tha Carter III (2008). During that period, he appeared on several mixtapes and singles of other artists. 24 24.

Big Daddy Kane Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968 in Brooklyn, New York), better known by his stage name, Big Daddy Kane, is an African-American rapper. Widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all-time, he started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group, the Juice Crew. Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968 in Brooklyn, New York), better known by his stage name, Big Daddy Kane, is an African-American rapper. Widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all-time, he started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group, the Juice Crew. 23 23. Method Man Clifford Smith (born April 1, 1971), better known by his stage name Method Man, is an American hip hop artist, record producer, actor, and member of the hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He has appeared in films and TV shows such as New York Undercover, Oz, Belly, CSI, How High, The Wire, Garden State, Soul Plane, and Meet the Spartans, among others.

He took his stage name from the 1979 film The Fearless Young Boxer, also known as Method Man. His name also refers to the slang "method", meaning marijuana in his native Staten Island. He is one half of the rap duo Method Man & Redman. He has also pursued an acting career since 1995, appearing in films, sitcoms, and television commercials. See also: *Method Man filmography. He won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "I'll Be There for You/You're all I Need" with Mary J. Blige. Clifford Smith (born April 1, 1971), better known by his stage name Method Man, is an American hip hop artist, record producer, actor, and member of the hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He has appeared in films and TV shows such as New York Undercover, Oz, Belly, CSI, How High, The Wire, Garden State, Soul Plane, and Meet the Spartans, among others. He took his stage name from the 1979 film The Fearless Young Boxer, also known as Method Man.

His name also refers to the slang "method", meaning marijuana in his native Staten Island. He is one half of the rap duo Method Man & Redman. He has also pursued an acting career since 1995, appearing in films, sitcoms, and television commercials. See also: *Method Man filmography. He won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "I'll Be There for You/You're all I Need" with Mary J. Blige. 22 22. Busta Rhymes Trevor Smith, Jr., better known as Busta Rhymes, is an American rapper, singer, actor, and musician. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the name Busta Rhymes (from former NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes) after watching him perform. Busta Rhymes was a member of Leaders of the New School and released two albums with the group before breaking out with a 1996 solo hit single, "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check". Trevor Smith, Jr., better known as Busta Rhymes, is an American rapper, singer, actor, and musician.

Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the name Busta Rhymes (from former NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes) after watching him perform. Busta Rhymes was a member of Leaders of the New School and released two albums with the group before breaking out with a 1996 solo hit single, "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check". 21 21. Common Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972), better known by his stage name Common (and previously known as Common Sense), is an American hip hop artist and actor. Common debuted in 1992 with the album Can I Borrow A Dollar? and maintained a significant underground following into the late 90s, after which he gained notable mainstream success through his work with the Soulquarians. His first major label album, Like Water for Chocolate, received widespread critical acclaim and moderate commercial success. Its popularity was matched by 2005's Be, which was nominated in the 2006 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album.

Common was awarded his second Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, for "Southside" (featuring Kanye West) (from Finding Forever), his first Grammy was awarded in 2003 for Best R&B Song for Love Of My Life with Erykah Badu. His best-of album Thisisme Then was released on November 27, 2007. Common has also intiated a burgeoning acting career, starring significant roles in such films as Smokin' Aces, Street Kings, American Gangster, and Wanted. Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972), better known by his stage name Common (and previously known as Common Sense), is an American hip hop artist and actor. Common debuted in 1992 with the album Can I Borrow A Dollar? and maintained a significant underground following into the late 90s, after which he gained notable mainstream success through his work with the Soulquarians. His first major label album, Like Water for Chocolate, received widespread critical acclaim and moderate commercial success. Its popularity was matched by 2005's Be, which was nominated in the 2006 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album.

Common was awarded his second Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, for "Southside" (featuring Kanye West) (from Finding Forever), his first Grammy was awarded in 2003 for Best R&B Song for Love Of My Life with Erykah Badu. His best-of album Thisisme Then was released on November 27, 2007. Common has also intiated a burgeoning acting career, starring significant roles in such films as Smokin' Aces, Street Kings, American Gangster, and Wanted. 20 20. Slick Rick Ricky Walters (born January 14, 1965), better known by stage names Slick Rick, MC Ricky D and Rick the Ruler, is a British rapper-songwriter and actor. Originally from South Wimbledon, London, England, he moved with his family to The Bronx in 1975 where he met Dana Dane, later forming a hip hop duo as Kangol Crew. Rick's characteristic eyepatch was acquired after being blinded in the right eye by broken glass as an infant.

He is best known for a series of rap recordings during the 1980s, including "Children's Story" and "La Di Da Di", B-side of Doug E. Fresh single "The Show" (1985). Once he gained a degree of wealth, he earned a reputation for wearing an enormous amount of gold and diamond jewelry, including many large necklaces with giant pendants, bracelets, huge rings on each finger, and a gold tooth. Ricky Walters (born January 14, 1965), better known by stage names Slick Rick, MC Ricky D and Rick the Ruler, is a British rapper-songwriter and actor. Originally from South Wimbledon, London, England, he moved with his family to The Bronx in 1975 where he met Dana Dane, later forming a hip hop duo as Kangol Crew. Rick's characteristic eyepatch was acquired after being blinded in the right eye by broken glass as an infant. He is best known for a series of rap recordings during the 1980s, including "Children's Story" and "La Di Da Di", B-side of Doug E. Fresh single "The Show" (1985).

Once he gained a degree of wealth, he earned a reputation for wearing an enormous amount of gold and diamond jewelry, including many large necklaces with giant pendants, bracelets, huge rings on each finger, and a gold tooth. 19 19. Mobb Deep Mobb Deep is a hip hop duo that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The group is perhaps most famous for its landmark 1995 album The Infamous and for the single "Shook Ones Pt. II." The group is currently signed to G-Unit Records. Although the group hasn't seen a large amount of commercial success, the majority of its albums have been met with critical acclaim, in particular for The Infamous, which is considered an East Coast classic, in the same league as Nas's Illmatic and The Notorious B.I.G.'s Ready to Die. Mobb Deep is a hip hop duo that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The group is perhaps most famous for its landmark 1995 album The Infamous and for the single "Shook Ones Pt. II." The group is currently signed to G-Unit Records.

Although the group hasn't seen a large amount of commercial success, the majority of its albums have been met with critical acclaim, in particular for The Infamous, which is considered an East Coast classic, in the same league as Nas's Illmatic and The Notorious B.I.G.'s Ready to Die. 18 18. Kurupt Kurupt (born Ricardo Emmanuel Brown on November 23, 1972 in Darby Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania) is an American rapper and former Executive Vice President of Death Row Records. He is a member of the rap group Tha Dogg Pound, and is mostly known for his work with Death Row Records. Also known as Young Gotti and The Kingpin, he is one half of the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound along with Daz Dillinger. He is also a member of underground supergroup The HRSMN along with: Canibus, Ras Kass, Killah Priest. Kurupt (born Ricardo Emmanuel Brown on November 23, 1972 in Darby Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania) is an American rapper and former Executive Vice President of Death Row Records.

He is a member of the rap group Tha Dogg Pound, and is mostly known for his work with Death Row Records. Also known as Young Gotti and The Kingpin, he is one half of the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound along with Daz Dillinger. He is also a member of underground supergroup The HRSMN along with: Canibus, Ras Kass, Killah Priest. 17 17. The Game Jayceon Terrell Taylor (born November 29, 1979), better known by his stage name The Game, is an American rapper. He rose to fame in 2005 with the success of his debut album, The Documentary, and his two Grammy nominations. Since then, he is considered to be a driving force in bringing back the West Coast hip hop scene and competing with many of his East Coast counterparts. Aside from releasing two albums that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, The Game has gained notoriety for involvement in feuds with other rappers. His music falls under the gangsta rap subgenre, a style of hip hop popularized in his hometown of Compton, California.

Jayceon Terrell Taylor (born November 29, 1979), better known by his stage name The Game, is an American rapper. He rose to fame in 2005 with the success of his debut album, The Documentary, and his two Grammy nominations. Since then, he is considered to be a driving force in bringing back the West Coast hip hop scene and competing with many of his East Coast counterparts. Aside from releasing two albums that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, The Game has gained notoriety for involvement in feuds with other rappers. His music falls under the gangsta rap subgenre, a style of hip hop popularized in his hometown of Compton, California. 16 16. Raekwon Corey Woods (born January 12, 1970), known by his stage name Raekwon, is an American East Coast rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. His 1995 album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... is widely considered to be one of the best Wu-Tang solo albums, and one of the finest and most influential hip hop albums of the 1990s.

Over the years, Raekwon has become known for staying true to his New York street fan base and making little effort to appeal to those outside of the city. In The Wu-Tang Manual, RZA explains that Raekwon also derives the "chef" moniker from his experience as an actual chef ("He was known for cooking up some really good fish.") However, the Wu-Tang Manual also defines "chef" as a cocaine cook. Additionally, the term "fishscale" is known to denote cocaine, as with Ghostface's album, Fishscale. Corey Woods (born January 12, 1970), known by his stage name Raekwon, is an American East Coast rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. His 1995 album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... is widely considered to be one of the best Wu-Tang solo albums, and one of the finest and most influential hip hop albums of the 1990s. Over the years, Raekwon has become known for staying true to his New York street fan base and making little effort to appeal to those outside of the city.

In The Wu-Tang Manual, RZA explains that Raekwon also derives the "chef" moniker from his experience as an actual chef ("He was known for cooking up some really good fish.") However, the Wu-Tang Manual also defines "chef" as a cocaine cook. Additionally, the term "fishscale" is known to denote cocaine, as with Ghostface's album, Fishscale. 15 15. OutKast Outkast (typeset as OutKast) is a Grammy Award-winning American hip hop duo based out of East Point, Georgia, a city south of Atlanta, Georgia. The duo was originally known as The OKB (The OutKast Brothers) but later changed its name to OutKast. The group's original musical style was a mixture of Dirty South and G-Funk. Since then, however, funk, soul, pop, electronic music, rock, spoken word poetry, jazz, and blues elements have been added to the group's musical palette. The duo consists of Atlanta native André "André 3000" Benjamin (formerly known as Dré) and Savannah, Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton.

The duo is one of the most successful hip-hop groups of all time, having received six Grammy Awards. Over 25 million copies have been sold of Outkast's eight releases: six studio albums, a greatest hits release, and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, a double album containing a solo album from each member. Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is one of only three hip-hop albums to be certified Diamond in the U.S. for shipping over 10 million units. Along with Outkast's commercial success, it has maintained an experimental approach in their music and is widely praised for its originality and artistic content. Outkast (typeset as OutKast) is a Grammy Award-winning American hip hop duo based out of East Point, Georgia, a city south of Atlanta, Georgia. The duo was originally known as The OKB (The OutKast Brothers) but later changed its name to OutKast. The group's original musical style was a mixture of Dirty South and G-Funk. Since then, however, funk, soul, pop, electronic music, rock, spoken word poetry, jazz, and blues elements have been added to the group's musical palette.

The duo consists of Atlanta native André "André 3000" Benjamin (formerly known as Dré) and Savannah, Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. The duo is one of the most successful hip-hop groups of all time, having received six Grammy Awards. Over 25 million copies have been sold of Outkast's eight releases: six studio albums, a greatest hits release, and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, a double album containing a solo album from each member. Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is one of only three hip-hop albums to be certified Diamond in the U.S. for shipping over 10 million units. Along with Outkast's commercial success, it has maintained an experimental approach in their music and is widely praised for its originality and artistic content. 14 14. Redman Reginald "Reggie" Noble (born April 17, 1970), better known by his stage name Redman, is an American rapper and actor. He came to fame in the early 1990s as an artist on the Def Jam label. He is also well known for his collaborations with Method Man, including their starring roles in films and sitcoms.

He is of African American and Korean origin. Reginald "Reggie" Noble (born April 17, 1970), better known by his stage name Redman, is an American rapper and actor. He came to fame in the early 1990s as an artist on the Def Jam label. He is also well known for his collaborations with Method Man, including their starring roles in films and sitcoms. He is of African American and Korean origin. 13 13. Chuck D Carlton Douglas Ridenhour (born August 1, 1960 in Brooklyn, New York), better known by his stage name, Chuck D, is an American rapper, author, and producer. He helped create politically and socially conscious rap music in the late 1980s as the leader of the rap group, Public Enemy. Carlton Douglas Ridenhour (born August 1, 1960 in Brooklyn, New York), better known by his stage name, Chuck D, is an American rapper, author, and producer. He helped create politically and socially conscious rap music in the late 1980s as the leader of the rap group, Public Enemy. 12 12.

Eazy-E Eric Lynn Wright (September 7, 1963–March 26, 1995), better known by the stage name Eazy-E, was an American rapper, producer, and record executive from Compton, California. Eazy E was a Kelly Park Compton Crip during his teen years, and he openly associated himself with other crips and crip sets. He sold drugs during his early teen years and then parlayed the money he made into a hip hop enterprise. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of the gangsta rap sub-genre and initially rose to fame as the founder and member of the group N.W.A., but later achieved critical and commercial success as a solo artist. Eazy-E's vocal style was marked by his youthful, high-pitched voice and his lyrics focusing on the elements of urban street life such as guns, drugs, relations between residents and the police, and sexual activity. He had also for some time hosted a hip-hop radio show on Los Angeles-based radio station KKBT.

Eric Lynn Wright (September 7, 1963–March 26, 1995), better known by the stage name Eazy-E, was an American rapper, producer, and record executive from Compton, California. Eazy E was a Kelly Park Compton Crip during his teen years, and he openly associated himself with other crips and crip sets. He sold drugs during his early teen years and then parlayed the money he made into a hip hop enterprise. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of the gangsta rap sub-genre and initially rose to fame as the founder and member of the group N.W.A., but later achieved critical and commercial success as a solo artist. Eazy-E's vocal style was marked by his youthful, high-pitched voice and his lyrics focusing on the elements of urban street life such as guns, drugs, relations between residents and the police, and sexual activity. He had also for some time hosted a hip-hop radio show on Los Angeles-based radio station KKBT. 11 11. Snoop Dogg Cordozar Calvin Broadus, Jr.

(born October 20, 1971), better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg), is a Grammy Award-nominated American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as an MC in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of producer Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. His catch phrase is "-izzle," a slang term developed by Oakland, California rap group 3X Krazy in the mid-1990s and popularized primarily by fellow Bay Area rapper E-40. His mother nicknamed him "Snoopy" as a child because of the way he dressed and because of his love of the cartoon Peanuts; he took the stage name Snoop Doggy Dogg when he began recording. He changed his name to Snoop Dogg in 1998, when he left his original record label Death Row Records and signed with No Limit Records. Cordozar Calvin Broadus, Jr.

(born October 20, 1971), better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg), is a Grammy Award-nominated American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as an MC in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of producer Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. His catch phrase is "-izzle," a slang term developed by Oakland, California rap group 3X Krazy in the mid-1990s and popularized primarily by fellow Bay Area rapper E-40. His mother nicknamed him "Snoopy" as a child because of the way he dressed and because of his love of the cartoon Peanuts; he took the stage name Snoop Doggy Dogg when he began recording. He changed his name to Snoop Dogg in 1998, when he left his original record label Death Row Records and signed with No Limit Records. 10 10. Scarface Brad Jordan, better known by his stage name Scarface (and formerly Akshen) is an American rapper originally known for his work as a member of The Geto Boys.

He has been a solo artist since 1991, becoming one of the most popular southern rappers in the business, while maintaining ties to The Geto Boys. Brad Jordan, better known by his stage name Scarface (and formerly Akshen) is an American rapper originally known for his work as a member of The Geto Boys. He has been a solo artist since 1991, becoming one of the most popular southern rappers in the business, while maintaining ties to The Geto Boys. 9 9. LL Cool J James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), better known as LL Cool J, is an American rapper and actor. LL Cool J stands for "Ladies Love Cool James." He is known for romantic ballads such as "I Need Love" and "Hey Lover" as well as pioneering hip-hop such as "I Can't Live Without My Radio", "I'm Bad", "The Boomin' System", "Mama Said Knock You Out", and "4, 3, 2, 1". L has also appeared in several films.

LL Cool J is one of a few hip-hop stars of his era to sustain a successful recording career for more than two decades. He has released 12 albums and a greatest hits compilation so far, with his next album, Exit 13, set to be released in September, 2008. The album will be the last for LL's record deal with Def Jam Recordings, a deal which has lasted for over twenty two years, making it the longest single hip hop deal to date. He now resides in Manhasset, New York with his wife and four children. James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), better known as LL Cool J, is an American rapper and actor. LL Cool J stands for "Ladies Love Cool James." He is known for romantic ballads such as "I Need Love" and "Hey Lover" as well as pioneering hip-hop such as "I Can't Live Without My Radio", "I'm Bad", "The Boomin' System", "Mama Said Knock You Out", and "4, 3, 2, 1". L has also appeared in several films.

LL Cool J is one of a few hip-hop stars of his era to sustain a successful recording career for more than two decades. He has released 12 albums and a greatest hits compilation so far, with his next album, Exit 13, set to be released in September, 2008. The album will be the last for LL's record deal with Def Jam Recordings, a deal which has lasted for over twenty two years, making it the longest single hip hop deal to date. He now resides in Manhasset, New York with his wife and four children. 8 8. Eminem Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17, 1972), known as Slim Shady and his primary stage name Eminem, is an Academy Award-winning American rapper, record producer and actor. Having sold over seventy million albums worldwide, Eminem is one of the highest-selling rappers of all time. Eminem quickly gained popularity in 1999 with his major-label debut album The Slim Shady LP. The following album, The Marshall Mathers LP, became the fastest-selling hip hop album in history,followed by an increasing amount of popularity, critical praise, as well as controversy.

While Eminem has won many Grammy Awards, been praised for having "verbal energy", high quality of lyricism and been ranked at number nine on MTV's list of The Greatest MCs of All Time,#13 on the MTV's "22 Greatest Voices in Music" and #82 on The Rolling Stones "Immortal Artists" he has often been infamous for the controversy surrounding many of these lyrics, including allegations of glorifying homophobia, misogyny, and violence. Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17, 1972), known as Slim Shady and his primary stage name Eminem, is an Academy Award-winning American rapper, record producer and actor. Having sold over seventy million albums worldwide, Eminem is one of the highest-selling rappers of all time. Eminem quickly gained popularity in 1999 with his major-label debut album The Slim Shady LP. The following album, The Marshall Mathers LP, became the fastest-selling hip hop album in history,followed by an increasing amount of popularity, critical praise, as well as controversy.

While Eminem has won many Grammy Awards, been praised for having "verbal energy", high quality of lyricism and been ranked at number nine on MTV's list of The Greatest MCs of All Time,#13 on the MTV's "22 Greatest Voices in Music" and #82 on The Rolling Stones "Immortal Artists" he has often been infamous for the controversy surrounding many of these lyrics, including allegations of glorifying homophobia, misogyny, and violence. 7 7. KRS-One Lawrence Krishna Parker (born August 20, 1965), better known by his stage name KRS-One, is an American rapper. Over his career, he has been known by several pseudonyms including "Kris Parker", "The Blastmaster", "The Teacha", and "The Philosopher". KRS-One is a significant figure in the hip hop community and is often credited by critics and other hip hop artists as epitomizing the "essence" of an MC and for being one of the greatest mc's to hold the mic. Lawrence Krishna Parker (born August 20, 1965), better known by his stage name KRS-One, is an American rapper.

Over his career, he has been known by several pseudonyms including "Kris Parker", "The Blastmaster", "The Teacha", and "The Philosopher". KRS-One is a significant figure in the hip hop community and is often credited by critics and other hip hop artists as epitomizing the "essence" of an MC and for being one of the greatest mc's to hold the mic. 6 Ll Cool J - Mr. Smith Ll Cool J Hey Lover (feat. Boyz II Men ) (4:44) I Shot Ya (feat. Keith Murray ) (3:51) Get Da Drop On 'em (3:57) VERSION 6.0.18 | © 2010 - 2017 Imusic LLC. All rights reserved. | Made in Yerevan | Hosted By ADC loading... LL Cool J - News, Photos, Videos, Bio.

Free music downloads at MP3.com LL Cool J Genres: Hip-Hop , rap , hip hop , 80s , rnb Biography James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968 in Bay Shore, New York), better known as LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James), is a Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor signed to Def Jam. He has released twelve studio albums over his 27 year career, has starred in numerous feature films and currently plays Agent Sam Hanna on the hit show NCIS: Los Angeles. Read More... Born in Bay Shore, New York, and raised between St. Albans, New York and Hollis, New York in the borough of Queens. The only child of Ondrea (née Griffith) and James Smith, Jr. Smith is of both African American and Native American descent. He spent his youth singing in the church choir, participating in the Boy Scouts and delivering newspapers. Def Jam released his first record, the 12" single "I Need a Beat" in 1983. The single sold over 100,000 copies.

The success of "I Need a Beat" helped lead to a distribution deal with Def Jam and Columbia Records in 1985. Soon after, he dropped out of Andrew Jackson High School to record his debut album. He is known for romantic ballads such as I Need Love and Hey Lover as well as pioneering hip-hop such as I Can't Live Without My Radio, I'm Bad, The Boomin' System, Mama Said Knock You Out, and 4, 3, 2, 1. L has also appeared in several films. LL Cool J is one of a few hip-hop stars of his era to sustain a successful recording career for more than two decades. He has released 12 albums and a greatest hits compilation so far, with his next album, Exit 13, set to be released in September, 2008. The album will be the last for LL's record deal with Def Jam Recordings, a deal which has lasted for over twenty two years, making it the longest single hip hop deal to date. He now resides in Manhasset, NY with his wife and four children. Read more on Last.fm .

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Question: James Todd Smith, born 1968, is an American award winning rapper and actor. What is he better known as?
Answer: LL Cool J